Calls for dog warden as poo piles up in Bridgnorth

The issue in Bridgnorth has been getting worse over the course of the pandemic, with residents saying it can be found lining many of the most popular walking destinations.

Particular concern has been raised for the state of Castle Walk, Hospital Walk and High Street.

High Town resident Christina Webster said the issue had become so severe, volunteers from the town's litter picking group have started coming up with their own solutions.

"It's absolutely everywhere and I just don't understand the mindset of people who let their dogs foul wherever they like," she said.

"Some of the volunteer litter pickers have been making signs telling people to pick up their dog poo, and some of the pet shops have also donated poo bags to be placed in holders by the signs, encouraging people to use them."

It is thought a combination of more people walking their dogs and being outside in general, both due to lockdown, has made the problem more noticeable.

Christina added: "It is a huge problem currently facing the town and everyone's talking about it.

"It's always been a bit of a problem here, but people are walking around more and seeing it a lot more.

"People might be walking their dogs more because of lockdown which is adding to the problem too.

"I really think the council has to come down with fines. There needs to be a dog warden who can act as a real deterrent."

Residents have contacted Bridgnorth's MP Philip Dunne about the issue, who agreed dog fouling was a "blight on our towns".

He added: "Where it does occur, the council should clear dog foul from public places where they have a legal responsibility.

"Shropshire Council has also put in place measures to control dog fouling, including making it an offence for the person in charge of a dog to fail to clear up its fouling."

Mr Dunne confirmed Shropshire Council had ordered its contractors to increase its inspections, and is set to erect 'no dog fouling' warning signs to help deter possible culprits in the near future.

People can report any instances of dog fouling to Shropshire Council on 03456789006 or at shropshire.gov.uk/street-care-and-cleaning/environmental-maintenance/dog-fouling